Dr. Carmen Johnson

forumpic

07 Sep: HOTT participates in Post-conviction forum in Maryland

Post-conviction relief became more accessible to individuals behind bars primarily through legislative reforms and court rulings, especially over the past few decades. Significant changes occurred with the implementation of laws such as the Anti-terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA) of 1996, which, despite its restrictions, standardized post-conviction procedures. Additionally, state-level reforms, including the First Step Act of 2018, expanded access to post-conviction relief, particularly for those serving federal sentences. Accessibility has also increased through the work of advocacy groups and legal aid organizations that focus on post-conviction rights.

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02 Feb: Deaths Occurring Within Maryland’s Correctional Facilities: Bills SB0036 & HB0565

During this critical legislative session in Maryland, we authored a significant piece of legislation, SB0036, and its corresponding bill, HB0565, titled “Maryland Deaths in Custody Oversight Board.” This pivotal bill is designed to establish an Oversight Board that will introduce a new era of transparency and accountability regarding the unfortunate deaths occurring within Maryland’s correctional facilities. Its purpose is to actively reduce the alarming number of fatalities that persist within our prisons, jails, and detention centers.